SPOKANE VALLEY – In a heart-pounding pursuit through the streets of Spokane Valley, a reckless U-Haul driver, identified as 18-year-old Devontaye I. Lyghts, led deputies on a high-speed chase that finally concluded in his arrest.
The chaotic incident unfolded on the night of November 18, 2023, when Spokane Valley Deputy R. Lederle attempted to stop Lyghts on E. Sprague Avenue at Pines Road.
Lyghts, driving a U-Haul truck, exhibited erratic behavior, crossing lanes without signaling, nearly colliding with another vehicle, and prompting suspicions of impaired driving.
Refusing to yield to the deputy’s lights and sirens, Lyghts accelerated to speeds of approximately 75 miles per hour, weaving dangerously between lanes.
As the situation escalated, additional deputies were called in for assistance, and the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit’s Air-2 took to the skies to track the fleeing U-Haul.
The pursuit took Lyghts through a reckless journey, running red lights, evading spike strips, and even attempting to hide behind parked vehicles.
Despite tire deflation caused by successfully deployed spike strips, Lyghts continued his desperate flight on foot, making futile attempts to escape the watchful eyes of Air-2.
The airborne unit played a crucial role, providing real-time information to deputies on the ground as Lyghts maneuvered through Spokane Valley streets.
Ultimately, the chase ended when Lyghts, after a series of evasive maneuvers, found himself cornered and was apprehended by deputies.
Following his arrest, Lyghts appeared in court on November 20, 2023, for his first appearance hearing. Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner E. Cruz ordered Lyghts to be released on his own recognizance, raising questions about the decision given the severity of the charges.
Lyghts now faces charges of Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, Obstructing Law Enforcement, and Hit and Run Property Damage.
As the community reflects on the startling events that unfolded, one can’t help but wonder what motivated this reckless escapade through the streets of Spokane Valley.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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